Council names "Citizen of the Year"

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River Town Council held a fairly short meeting for the month of August. The public session lasted 35 minutes.
First item of business was the naming of Mr. Terry Cooper as Citizen of the Year for 2008.
All of council praised Cooper for his dedication and hours of volunteer time in caring for Main Street trees, and various public flower gardens in the community.
Construction Update
Councillor Brent Anderson asked Public Works Chairman Gerry Marchuk how the Little Street Railway Crossing Closure project is going and whether the road improvements to a segment of Railway Avenue are proceeding as planned and on budget.
Marchuk said that the roadway work is moving ahead well and that they are pretty much on budget.
Town Clerk Veldron Vogan noted that some culverts came in above budget but the town saved money by installing them themselves. "Everything that has been done so far has come in close or under budget," said Vogan.
Marchuk said that as for a time line for the closure of the Little St. crossing, that will be up to CNR. "We hope it is this fall, but it could be next spring," said Marchuk.
Other Business
•The Township of Dawson has joined Rainy River's recycling program. They have agreed to pay for one of the five bins on site at the Rainy River town garage so that its citizens can participate in the program.
•Mayor Deb Ewald spoke about the new health vans distributed to hospitals around the province. She noted that she has talked to Riverside Health Care Facilities' CEO Wayne Woods to see what will be done with the one received for the three hospitals under Riverside's umbrella.
"At this point they are still trying to sort out who will run them and what the fee will be to utilize the van (by consumers)." Ewald said that once that is determined Riverside plans to let communities know how the van will work.
•Council passed a motion to enter into a credit agreement with CIBC for 2008.
•Council gave the Youth Action Alliance permission to use Hannam Park for a smoke free fun day Aug. 12th.
•Mayor Ewald recently attended a meeting with Louise Paquette, the Director General of FedNor. She noted that Paquette came to Rainy River the day after the meeting in Emo and toured Rainy River. Town Clerk Vogan added that out that tour her assistant has decided to come to Rainy River this week to have a look at Town apps. for FedNor funding.
•Council agreed to buy 125 desk calendars for 2009 at a cost of $3.26 each plus taxes.
•Council received a thank you letter from OPP Inspector Lucas thanking the local fire dept. for their hard work in helping prevent damage to the local detachment building when the sprinkler system recently malfunctioned there.
•Council passed motions declaring Labour Day Weekend and the Rainy River Walleye Tournament weekends Community Festivals.
•Mayor Ewald reported that the Library Board has looked at a new location for the public library. But nothing has been decided as of yet. "I will keep you informed of any changes."
Council then went in camera at 7:35 p.m. to discuss property issues.